In lieu of holiday cards that I am horrible at selecting, and which tend to linger on my desktop rather than make their way to a mailing, and seeing that music is the best expression of celebration, what better way to wrap up the year than a compilation. So that's what I did for my friends an family this year.
I am hesitant to say that this is representative of my thoughts on the top 10 albums released this year, though several fit that description, more it is a sampling of my favorite releases of this year, in no particular order or ranking. This is followed by a selection of songs from albums reissued this year and wrapped up with a smattering of songs from bands that have reunited for tour this year, or in the case of the Feelies, announced their intent to reunite.
Luna-“Speedbumps”; Rendezvous, Jetset 2004. Luna is hands-down my favorite band, and Speedbumps is the most frenetic and addictive off of their swan song, Rendezvous.
Aloha- “Summer Away”; Here Comes Everyone, Polyvinyl Record Co. 2004. Simple rock arrangements and discernible pop hooks laced with a dose of vibes and restrained longing for youth.
Camera Obscura- “Keep It Clean”; Underachievers Please Try Harder, Merge Records 2004. Hailing from Glasgow and embracing the textures of Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound, Camera Obscura has made a home on my ipod hot list. “Keep It Clean” showcases the Ellie Greenwich/Jeff Barry- Lee Hazelwood/Nancy Sinatra styling of its lead songwriters.
The Arcade Fire- “Neighborhood 1”; Funeral, Merge Records 2004. Believe the hype. This is the first band (since Luna) to catch me uttering profanities out of shear amazement. Seriously. Holy Effing Fill In the Blank. I screamed myself speechless.
Calexico- “Alone Again Or”; Convict Pool EP, Quarterstick Records 2004. Technically an EP, assuredly a cover (Love) but an incredible offering from Tucson’s finest. Sonorant, decked with conversing trumpets and topped-off by Joey Burns’ tenor and John Covertino’s smooth command of the throne.
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